The Taigun appears to share its platform with VW's subcompact Polo.
Sao Paulo auto showgoers are getting their first look at the Volkswagen Taigun Concept this week, a crossover-utility vehicle that is likely to return in production form in the not-too-distant future.
Based on the same platform as the subcompact VW Polo, the Taigun appears to be the prototype for one of two new CUVs Volkswagen is planning – as TheDetroitBureau.com reported last week. A production version of the Taigun would slot into the VW line-up below the current Tiguan model.
While some competitors have decided to push the styling envelope at the Sao Paulo – notably Nissan with its Extrem 2+2 concept – the VW Taigun maintains the maker’s relatively conservative design language, albeit adopting a more upright grille and adding a skidplate to give the show car some off-road credentials.
The Taigun is one of two new CUVs Volkswagen is reportedly working on.
With a 97.2-inch wheelbase, the VW Taigun is slightly larger than the Nissan Extrem but not much bigger than the German maker’s Up! microcar.
In back, the VW Taigun features a split tailgate designed for easy access to a cargo bay VW claims is a surprisingly roomy 280 liters – or 34.8 cubic feet — climbing to 987 liters with the rear seats folded down.
The interior adopts a more sophisticated appearance, its design clearly influenced by the likes of the iPad tablet computer. Various HVAC settings, for example, are displayed on a dial face.
Under the hood, the show car is powered by a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.0-liter inline-three making 110 horsepower. That would be enough for a 9.2-second 0 – 100 kmh pace (0 to 62.5 mph), and a top speed of 115 mph.
According to a Volkswagen press release, “The prospects for the Taigun being seen at Volkswagen dealers someday are quite high — what is crucial here is the overall response of the public to this concept.”
While a production version of the VW Taigun would fit well into Brazil – now one of the world’s largest national automotive markets it’s unclear whether we’d also see it in the U.S. More likely, we almost certainly will get the larger, 7-seat CUV that senior Volkswagen officials have confirmed is also on the company’s drawing boards.